Futura CE-200 Software fails to initialize on XP sp2

I'm running XP Pro with SP 2 on an HP Laptop. I load the Futura CE-200 software (1.0.0.2), hook up Futura and get the following error message: "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005)." Then a screen (Singer #4904 error message) pops up saying a critical error occured and to enter my email address below and Singer will get back to me ... but there is no place to enter an email.

What I've tried:
1) Unistalling/reinstalling Futura (can't even get to Autopunch since Futura won't initialize)

2) XP SP2 - turned off auto-update and that whole thing about the Security Patch (which I never had installed)

I've spent hours with Singer, HP and Fixya tech support, Unistalled/reinstalled repeatedly. Singer sent a new CD then said its a (notebook) computer problem. No luck.m HP & fixya says its Futura sewing maching problem. Sent Futura back to where purchased and it worked work them. So its got to be a computer hardware or incompatibility issue. i don't know what to try next .... I'm thinking its stupid compatibility issue. Even unistalled printer (no luck). Note: Its the same "Application failed to initialize properly (oxc000005)" error with my Notebook and Desktop PCs. Both are running Windows XP Pro SP2, Wireless Network, and MCAfee Security Center (used to have Norton)

Please, anyone have a brilliant idea? I've spent hours with Singer, HP and Fixya tech support, Unistalled/reinstalled repeatedly. Singer sent a new CD then said its a (notebook) computer problem. No luck.m HP & fixya says its Futura sewing maching problem. Sent Futura back to where purchased and it worked work them. So its got to be a computer hardware or incompatibility issue. i don't know what to try next .... I'm thinking its stupid compatibility issue. Even unistalled printer (no luck). Note: Its the same "Application failed to initialize properly (oxc000005)" error with my Notebook and Desktop PCs. Both are running Windows XP Pro SP2, Wireless Network, and MCAfee Security Center (used to have Norton)

If you turn off Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for a specific program, it might become vulnerable to attack. A successful attack could then spread to other programs on your computer, to your contacts, and damage your personal files. If you suspect that a program does not run correctly when DEP is turned on, check for a DEP-compatible version or update from the software publisher before you change any DEP settings.

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

To open System Properties, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.

Click the Advanced tab and, under Performance, click Settings.

Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

In the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select list, do one of the following:

To turn off DEP for a program, select the check box next to the program name and click OK. (If the name of the program doesn't appear in the list, click Add, navigate to your Program Files folder, select the program's executable file which will have an .exe file extension, and click OK). – or –

To turn on DEP for a program, clear the check box next to the program name, and then click OK.

Finally its fixed! It was a DEP problem, had to turn off DEP for futura.exe as Windows XP didn't like it. Instructions below:

To turn Data Execution Prevention on or off for a program
If you turn off Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for a specific program, it might become vulnerable to attack. A successful attack could then spread to other programs on your computer, to your contacts, and damage your personal files. If you suspect that a program does not run correctly when DEP is turned on, check for a DEP-compatible version or update from the software publisher before you change any DEP settings.
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

To open System Properties, click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.

Click the Advanced tab and, under Performance, click Settings.

Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

In the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select list, do one of the following:

To turn off DEP for a program, select the check box next to the program name and click OK. (If the name of the program doesn't appear in the list, click Add, navigate to your Program Files folder, select the program's executable file which will have an .exe file extension, and click OK).
– or –

To turn on DEP for a program, clear the check box next to the program name, and then click OK.

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SINGER® FUTURA™ Software Installation for Windows ...? 7:20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDkHyrh0ejkNov 30, 2009 - Uploaded by SingerSewingCompanySINGER® FUTURA™ Software Installation for Windows 2000 & XP ... yes i already have a singer ...Singer Futura will not work with Windows 7 - Microsoft Communityanswers.microsoft.com/.../singer-futura.../da1ea4db-8594-4a12-91d1-d8...I bought a Singer Futura sewing machine and a Win 7 laptop for Christmas. ... can find the right person at Singer to talk to they might let you have a pre-release version of thesoftware. ... What if you download the patch and it still doesn't work? ... if you are using ce-150 go to http://futura-support.com/downloads/ce150.html.

Make sure you downloaded the correct update. Reinstall the original software. Now right click on the program file (.exe) file in the software folder (prob on c:, folder called Futura **). Mine is different than yours...so end of file will be different, so I put ** instead). After you open the file folder...right click on the program file & choose properties; choose Compatibility; Check the run as box (mine is set to winXP 2); and check the run as administrator box.
Try opening the program...if it opens...you can then do the update install.

Yes, there is. Go to http://www.futura-support.com/downloads/ce150.html. Read the instructions VERY carefully. You will need to have the 2.5 Futura upgrade, which is available for $99 at Jenny's Sewing http://cart.jennys-sewing-studio.com/.

In case you do have your old version of Windows XP lying around and don't care to spend the money on the upgrade, there is another alternative, though it does take a few more steps. But I use it currently on my machine to run my Futura and it works beautifully. It's available at http://www.fixya.com/support/r8955271-use_machine_windows_7_or_vista and will allow you to run any old XP software on a Vista or Windows 7 machine, but only if you have your old Windows XP software available.

Either way, be sure you follow the instructions carefully. With the upgrade, I have two friends who I've upgraded their software to run their Futura's this way and they both are working fine. As I said, I use the 2nd way and have been for month's. Good luck!

For old Futura software optional features (AutoPunch,Photostitch etc.) can be installed only from original CD. You may upgrade your software to version 2.5.0.x that has more features and more flexible installation procedure, you may ask your closest Singer supplier about it.

Run a disk cleaner through it and clean the disket with a dry soft cloth. After awhile the disk drive will get dirty and it cant read a disk.Do this once a month and you should not have anymore problems. Go to your local dollar store and pick one up.